The Health Benefits of Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is a popular condiment that is often used in salad dressings, marinades and many other foods. Its flavor is distinct and is often described as tart and complex. Some studies suggest that balsamic vinegar has several health benefits that range from improving a person's complexion to lowering cholesterol and aiding weight loss. Let's take a look at the potential health benefits of balsamic vinegar:

1. Improves skin health
Balsamic vinegar contains antimicrobial compounds, acetic acids and antioxidants - components that may help improve a person's complexion over time. If using this method opt for clear vinegar to help clear up acne as balsamic can cause stains and should not be applied directly to the skin.

2. Reduces blood sugar
Studies suggest that this popular salad dressing ingredient offers a number of health benefits, including in helping to regulate blood sugar. In one review which examined the scientific effects of vinegar found that balsamic vinegar has an anti-glycemic impact when consumed. This means that a person's blood sugar will spike less drastically after a meal. According to the paper, it indicated that vinegar could help create a blood sugar plateau for a period of up to 5 hours following a meal. 

3. Promoting healthy digestion
One of the active compounds found in balsamic vinegar is acetic acid. This acid contains strains of probiotics that aid digestion. The probiotics found in acetic acid help promote good gut health and digestion while supporting overall immune function.

4. It lowers cholesterol
It has been found that balsamic vinegar may help lower cholesterol. The antioxidants in balsamic vinegar help block toxic cells in the body that raise cholesterol levels. In one study which involved rabbits with high cholesterol, it is possible that consuming balsamic vinegar can help lower or maintain already low cholesterol levels.

5. It helps you lose weight
The probiotics contained in balsamic vinegar can help you feel full for longer. Studies show that people may consume fewer calories throughout the day when they add vinegar to their morning meal.

6. It treats wounds
For many years, balsamic vinegar has been used to treat wounds. It has been suggested that balsamic vinegar has antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. However, it is important to note that these claims have not been well studied.

7. It reduces hypertension
In one study which involved rats, it was determined that balsamic vinegar may help lower blood pressure. This research suggested that regularly adding balsamic vinegar to foods may help reduce high blood pressure over time. It may be true if a person replaces fatty foods, such as butter and oil, with vinegar, which lowers the total amount of fats they consume.
 
8. It relieves congestion
While this is not popularly known, some people use balsamic vinegar to help treat congestion. To do this, add a few drops of vinegar to steaming water and breathe in the vapor.

9. It reduces acid reflux
Balsamic vinegar can be used to help reduce acid reflux or heartburn. While this remedy may not work for everyone, you may want to give it a try. Do so in small amounts and wait several hours to see whether it improves your symptoms, or worsens them.

10. It promotes blood circulation
Balsamic vinegar is derived from grapes. Studies have shown that grapes help prevent cardiac disease by preventing platelets from building up in blood vessels. It also contains polyphenols which aid in blood circulation. However, the evidence is inconclusive so far.

But what are the risks of taking balsamic vinegar?

While the risks are few, it has been discovered that taking too much balsamic vinegar may cause an upset stomach. Generally speaking, however, it is safe for people to consume unless you suffer from an allergy. Other possible risks include:

1. Inflammation of the throat
2. Damage to the food pipe from drinking too much.

Limit your intake to about two tablespoons or less, as drinking too much can cause an upset stomach and other issues. Furthermore, be careful of what brands you buy. Genuine balsamic may be expensive but it does not contain added sugars. 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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Taking a Daily Bath Can Benefit Cardiovascular Health

We all know that baths are relaxing and can do wonders for reducing stress, but the positive health effects of baths only begin there. A recently published Japanese study, for example, shows that frequent baths can do wonders for cardiovascular health, improving blood circulation and reducing hypertension in the long run. This study was massive, involving over 30 thousand participants over the course of 20 years, and it sheds some light on the way taking hot baths can be a good preventative measure for cardiovascular problems.

Why Japan?
As you may know, Japan has a long-standing bathing tradition, probably best exemplified by the beautiful outdoor and indoor hot spring bathing houses called onsen. In fact, the oldest onsen in Japan, the Dogo Onsen on the island of Shikoku has a 3,000-year-long history, so it’s hardly speculative to assume that fondness of baths is a part of the Japanese mentality.

This bathing culture in Japan doesn’t end at the spa either, as nearly every home in the country is equipped with a bathtub, and most Japanese people (over 80% of the population) take baths instead of a shower. But the tradition of bathing wasn’t the actual reason the study was conducted, the researchers’ reasoning was more practical and serious. The study was part of a countrywide investigation of bath fatalities since Japan’s ministry of health observed that approximately 14,000 people die while taking a bath in Japan every year, which is nearly triple the number of car crash fatalities.

One of the hypotheses that may have accounted for these unexpected deaths is a sudden cardiac arrest brought about by submerging yourself in hot water, as some researchers suggested, and the massive longitudinal study we mentioned earlier was conducted to investigate this very possibility. Unexpectedly, the researchers found quite the opposite - instead of having an adverse effect on cardiovascular and heart health, they observed that “a daily hot bath was associated with a lower overall risk of cardiovascular disease by about 28%, and a 26% lower overall risk of stroke."
We explain the study in detail in the following section. As for the high fatality rates associated with bath time in Japan, a different study actually showed that other factors, such as drowning, drinking alcohol and slipping while in the bath were responsible for the unsettling statistics.

How Can Baths Benefit Your Heart and Cardiovascular Health?

As mentioned earlier, the study in question is quite large, observing over 30,000 people over the course of 20 years. The age range of the participants when they were enrolled in the study was 40-59 years. The study was published in the journal Heart, a high profile international peer-reviewed medical journal.

All the participants were divided into three groups - those who took baths daily, those that did so 3-4 times a week, and those who took a bath less than twice a week. Throughout the observation period, the researchers have observed 2,097 occurrences of cardiovascular disease among the participants, among which were 53 sudden heart-related deaths and 1,769 strokes.

When all confounding factors were controlled for, the statistical analysis revealed a 28% decreased risk of cardiovascular issues and a 26% lower risk of a heart event in daily bathers compared to those who took baths less frequently. Another factor further decreased one’s risk of cardiovascular issues - water temperature. It has been observed that hot water further reduced the risk of cardiovascular issues to 35%, as opposed to 26% in warm water bathers.

Disclaimer: make sure the water temperature doesn’t exceed 102° F (39°C). Water too hot can make you dizzy, increasing the likelihood of falls, cause burns and have other negative effects on your health.

The reason why hot baths seem to be more beneficial than warm ones has everything to do with blood circulation - hot water is better at boosting blood flow, and it has benefits similar to exercise in improving the blood supply to your tissues and organs. Similarly, daily baths in hot water also seem to be better at reducing blood pressure, resembling the positive blood pressure effects of exercise.
Other positive health benefits of baths include reduced inflammation, better metabolism, stress, and pain reduction, as well as improved sleep and decreased anxiety levels. So we say ditch the shower and have a good relaxing bath as often as you can!

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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Pamper Yourself With These 5 Luxurious DIY Foot Soaks

We bring you the one thing we all need at the end of a long and stressful day - an indulgent and utterly relaxing foot soak. Apart from being a special treat, foot baths are an excellent remedy for tired, painful and dry feet, too. They’re also capable of softening calluses, blisters, and rough skin, and some can even help you prevent skin and nail infections on the feet. Here we will show you how to make 5 different foot soaks intended to address different issues, such as soreness, poor blood circulation, and dryness. Why not pamper yourself or your loved one with this luxurious and much-needed treat?
All of these foot soaks are quite easy to make and only require access to basic equipment like hot and cold water, a tub or large bowl, a towel, and 15-30 minutes of your time. The optimal water temperature for a foot soak is between 92 and 100°F (33-37°C). All of the recipes and any additional ingredients can be found below.

1. Foot Soak to Improve Blood Circulation
Foot Soak Recipes tub with water foot bath
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Our feet are among the most neglected areas of our body, and with the sedentary lifestyle many of lead combined with wearing tight shoes for hours on end, it isn't surprising that blood stagnation and poor circulation are the most common in the feet. To give your feet some extra attention and love they need and improve blood circulation in the feet, try this invigorating foot bath that combines the warming power of ginger with the aromatherapeutic and anti-inflammatory benefits of essential oils.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup ground or freshly grated ginger
- 5-20 drops bergamot or lemon essential oil
- 6 tsp base oil (e.g. grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, liquid coconut oil)

Directions:
1. In a small glass or bowl, combine the essential oils.
2. In a separate bowl, carefully combine the ginger with some boiling water to activate the herb.
3. Finally, combine all the ingredients in a tub or bowl filled with warm water just enough to covers your ankles. Make sure to test the temperature before getting into the water so that it's not too hot or cold. If so, adjust the temperature simply by adding more water.
 
2. Foot Soak for Sore Feet
Epsom salts are among the most powerful ingredients to use on feet that feel, sore, achy, and a bit swollen after a long and tiresome day. This is because Epsom salts are high in magnesium that gets absorbed through your skin and works to relax and relieve the tension in your feet. Meanwhile, the tea tree or rosemary essential oils will act as antibacterial agents to clean and disinfect your feet.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- 6 tsp base oil (e.g. grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, liquid coconut oil)
- 5-20 drops of rosemary or tea tree essential oil
Directions:
1. In a bowl, combine the oils.
2. Fill the tub or a large bowl with warm water (92-100°F or 33-37°C) just enough to cover your ankles and dissolve the Epsom salts in the water.
3. Pour the oil mixture into the water. Make sure to test the temperature before getting into the water so that it's not too hot or cold.

3. Relaxing Lavender Foot Soak for Bed
It often happens that we're so stressed and simultaneously tired that it's difficult to relax and fall asleep at night. If you experience a similar concern (I surely do), we highly recommend this milky, relaxing, and oh so soothing lavender bath soak to try just before bed. Best of all, this soothing foot bath will also make your feet soft like a baby's without feeling oily.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil
Directions:
1. Into a large bowl or the bottom of a tub filled with warm (92-100°F or 33-37°C) water just enough to cover your ankles, add the Epsom salts and wait for them to dissolve.
2. Then, add in the coconut milk and drop the lavender essential oil directly into the water. Make sure to test the temperature before getting into the water so that it's not too hot or cold. Relax and enjoy. 

4. Moisturizing Soak for Dry and Cracked Heels
This recipe might surprise you, as one of the key ingredients in this concoction is Listerine - yes, the same stuff you use to as mouthwash. Listerine has an ingredient called Methyl salicylate that has antiseptic, gentle exfoliating and conditioning properties, as well as a weak analgesic effect, all of which are quite useful in a bath soak. Many people swear by this ingredient and say that it can prevent fungal and other infections of the feet, as well as soften the dry and hard areas of the feet. If you want to try it out, follow this recipe.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- ½ cup Listerine
- 5-10 drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)
Directions:
1. In a large bowl with warm water (about 1 gallon or 3.7 liters), dissolve the Epsom salts.
2. Add in the Listerine to the water, along with the optional essential oil of your choice. Soak your feet for at least 20-30, adding more warm water if it gets too cold.

5. Detoxifying Foot Soak
If your feet need a deep cleaning and detox, be it after a long and busy week or in preparation for the sandal season, this powerful foot soak is what you would benefit from the most. It cleans, it softens your skin, and removes dry patches, lessens calluses, and detoxifies. You can repeat this soak once a week until you get the desired results, just make sure to always moisturize your feet after you use this foot soak.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- 2 tbsp bentonite clay
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Directions:
1. As in the previous recipes, start with dissolving the Epsom salt in plenty of warm water in a tub or bowl.
2. After that, add the lemon juice and dissolve the bentonite clay in water, swirling to avoid clumps. As previously, make sure the water is the right temperature, and when you're ready, start soaking your feet in the mixture.
3. When you're done, rinse with warm water, pat dry with a towel, and apply moisturizer.,

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
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13 Reasons Why a Little Nutmeg Will Improve Your Health, Skin and Hair!

We know it is a feast when the aroma of nutmeg wafts through the air. Nutmeg’s flavour and smell reigns in most regional cuisines across India.

Incidentally, this Indonesian spice not only rules delicacies by enhancing its flavour but also possesses medicinal properties. Including it in your diet and personal care routine is the perfect way to have both healthier skin and body. But before we get into that, let’s get to know the spice a little better.
What is Nutmeg Spice Made From?

The Myristica fragrans tree of Indonesia is one of the few species in the world that produces two different spices – nutmeg from the seed and mace from its skin.

Up until the 19th century, the “Spice Islands” of Indonesia were the sole producers of these spices in the world. Gradually, international trade bloomed and nutmeg reached India.

Today, the spice is mainly grown in Kerala and Tamil Nadu but finds fans across the country.
What is Nutmeg Used For?

While it is the perfect addition to your sweets, delicacies and curries, the spice offers much more than fragrance and heat. Among its many medicinal properties, few are listed here:

    The spice is the perfect remedy for diarrhoea, constipation, gas and such other digestive issues. So the next time you are suffering from any of these, add a pinch of ground nutmeg to your soup. The essential oils in the spice catalyse the secretion of digestive fluids, helping your body recover.


    Regular consumption (but not overindulgence) of jaiphal (Nutmeg) is known to lower the lipid and lipoprotein in the blood. Both these elements are notorious binders of cholesterol and can make them accumulate in blood vessels. In simple words, nutmeg can help lower cholesterol levels.

    The internal cleansing of your system may also reduce bad breath. Bad breath throughout the day is usually the sign of toxicity, especially in your liver and kidneys.

    While the spice will undoubtedly help in digestion, it will also cure minor damages or toxins in other organs.

    Nutmeg also has sleep-inducing properties, making it the perfect addition to desserts on holidays. If your sleep cycles have been disturbed lately, try adding a pinch of jaiphal to your meals.

    Nutmeg oil has anti-inflammatory properties and that makes it an effective joint and muscle pain reliever.

    Nutmeg contains calcium, iron, manganese, minerals, potassium etc.- all necessary nutrients for the body that also help regulate blood circulation.

Besides these Medicinal Properties, Jaiphal is also great for Skin and Hair. Here’s how:

    Mixing nutmeg powder with raw honey, lemon juice, clove oil and baking soda will make an excellent face pack to exfoliate your skin and deep cleanse the pores. Or just use a nutmeg exfoliator for amazing results.

    An addition of nutmeg to your honey face pack can also reduce pigmentation.

    It is also a great exfoliant. Cleanse your pores with ease and enjoy buttery soft skin with this nutmeg body wash!

    The antibacterial and antifungal properties of the spice also help battle acne. Use a jaiphal face wash for best results.

    For amazingly soft hair and to accelerate hair growth, mix some nutmeg powder with coconut oil and honey and use it as a hair pack regularly.

    Tired of oily skin? Let nutmeg be your solution. Mix honey with some jaiphal powder and apply as a face pack once every two weeks or so. Give the spice some time and within a couple of months, you will see amazing results.
 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
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Bet You Never Knew Warm Water Was This Beneficial!

It's essential to drink water, as it helps flush out dangerous toxins from your body. To add to this, it gives you soft and young-looking skin. In fact, starting the day off by drinking a glass of water is a routine that many people who are conscious about their health follow without fail. This is a very good habit to have, but it's important to know whether you should be drinking cold or warm water. A lot of physicians recommend drinking a glass of warm water as it has many health benefits and can help alleviate certain ailments.

Below are 10 health benefits of drinking warm water.

1. Relieves Constipation
Drinking warm water on an empty stomach can help regulate bowel movements and fight constipation. Constipation occurs when there is a low water content in the intestines - this lack of water causes the stools to dry out and makes them much more difficult to pass. The warm water will decompose any remnant food and will make bowel movements smooth and less painful. To add to this, it will also reduce the abdominal bloating, pain and discomfort that is associated with constipation.

To fight constipation, drink a glass of warm water every morning on an empty stomach. For added benefits, add lemon or honey to it before drinking.

2. Improves Digestion

To improve your digestion, start drinking warm water regularly.

Tepid water stimulates the digestive gland and helps break down food in your stomach so that your digestive system does not have to work so hard - this helps save energy. Furthermore, it helps get rid of any excess stomach acids as well as neutralizing digestive juices.

If you suffer from poor digestion you should start and end your day with a glass of warm water.

3. Soothes a Sore Throat

Warm water helps dissolve thick mucus and removes it from the respiratory tract.

In addition to warm water, you can also drink other warm liquids such as herbal teas. Furthermore, to treat a sore throat, you can gargle a glass of warm water mixed with half a teaspoon of salt.

4. Treats Nasal Congestion

Warm water is a great remedy for nasal congestion as it helps cleanse the nasal cavities, bringing instant relief. When you drink warm water, it loosens any mucus buildup in your respiratory tracts and nasal cavities, which decreases the possibility of any viruses or bacteria being able to grow there.
5. Shed Excess Pounds

Those who are following a strict diet and exercise regime for weight loss will benefit greatly from drinking a glass of warm water. This is because warm water increases core body temperature, which in turn increases metabolic rate. An increase in metabolic rate results in more calories being burned. Warm water even helps break down fatty deposits in the body.

6. Detoxifies Your Body

Warm water cleanses your body by flushing out dangerous toxins. When you drink warm water, it leads to an increase in your body temperature. Therefore, you start sweating to cool down - sweating helps remove any trapped toxins from your body.

Furthermore, warm water also detoxifies your skin, thereby decreasing your risk of skin-related ailments such as acne breakouts and skin blemishes.

For better results, add some lemon juice to a glass of warm water before drinking it.

7. Alleviates Menstrual Cramps

Drinking warm water can help alleviate menstrual cramps as it relaxes the contracting muscles in the uterus, which in turn will give you instant relief from cramps and muscle spasms. Furthermore, it will prevent your body from retaining water and prevent painful bloating during menstruation.

8. Improves Blood Circulation

Warm water helps improve blood circulation - this is important as blood delivers vital oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and organs.

When you drink hot water, the body's fat deposits burn and any built up deposits in the nervous system are also broken down. This improves blood circulation and flushes out toxins. Avoid drinking very cold water, as this closes up your veins and decreases blood circulation.

9. Slows Down Aging

Warm water is good for your skin and it removes all those toxins that are responsible for premature aging and various health problems. Also, warm water helps to repair skin cells, rejuvenate your skin and improves elasticity. Add some lemon juice to the warm water to enhance its detoxifying power.

10. Induces Sleep

If you're finding it difficult to get to sleep, sipping on some warm water before bed can work a treat. The warm water increases your body temperature, which then relaxes your body, soothes your nerves, and makes you sleepy.

Additional Notes

Always drink warm water, as drinking hot water can damage the tissues in your mouth and esophagus.
 
After boiling water, give it a few minutes to cool down.
 
Always drink warm water when eating food. If you drink cold water, your body needs more energy to increase its temperature, which detracts from the process of digestion.

Don't drink warm water after exercising, as your body's temperature is already high.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement